Woman who embezzled from Midway Museum gets year in jail

SAN DIEGO – A woman who embezzled more than $100,000 from the USS Midway Museum where she once worked was ordered to serve a year in county jail and was placed on probation for five years.

Veronica Gonzalez Monay, 35, of Chula Vista pleaded guilty Aug. 26 in San Diego Superior Court to charges of grand theft and fraudulent appropriation by an employee. She could have been sent to prison for up to four years.

Defense attorney Gretchen von Helms noted Thursday that Gonzalez cooperated fully with investigators and was remorseful about her behavior.

Von Helms said her client was a single mother struggling to raise her daughter when the thefts occurred. The 12-year-old is now living with Gonzalez's ex-husband.

Thursday, Gonzalez provided the last child-support payment she received – a check for $154 – as payment toward restitution.

Judge Timothy Weathers acknowledged Gonzalez's remorse, her early admission of guilt, and “insignificant” previous criminal record, but focused less on her personal history.

“No personal problem really excuses taking that kind of money,” he said. Deputy District Attorney James Teh has said Gonzalez worked for three years as an accounting manager at the aircraft carrier museum, and stole 21 cash deposits totaling $111,000.

Gonzalez resigned when the museum's chief financial officer notified her of accounting irregularities, giving only two days notice, the prosecutor said.

Authorities received information later through an external audit that pointed to Gonzalez.